Chapter 148: Truth Behind Ronin (1/2)

Seeing that a crowd has formed around the tower, Arthur decided it was best to teleport away without being seen. It has been only a day since the ball and his face was still fresh.

He appeared above a potion shop before using his rune again to teleport into an alley. He started walking from there and entered a café where he sat down and started reading the latest news.

As he had expected, his feat of ranking first had sent the world into turmoil. He opened the most famous social media app, TalkMe, and read through the posts regarding his achievement.

”… I've looked through many sources regarding the name Extrasort, but there's nothing concrete. I think it's a random name rather than something with a deeper meaning…”

That was the most liked post in the trending tab. Arthur chuckled as he admired the analytic ability of these netizens since it was true. The name didn't have a deeper meaning. It was the in-game-name he used when he had the time to play online games and VR.

He used it because it meant an extra character or it could mean a more evolved species. A mix of the word extra and the word sort. It was how he viewed himself before, a side-character in everyone's lives, but not a main character anywhere.

This mindset had disappeared after he received his legacy. He knew he was gifted with something that allowed him to rise, something that allowed him to go beyond being a side-character.

He then read about Yurirl, the famous Divine Swordsman. He had never thought his name would be associated with this person before because there was always an unbridgeable gap between a dirt-digger and the world's most renowned guild's member.

'Things have changed,' Arthur sighed as he closed his phone. It was already evening and he had to go back to the hotel. The next few days will be boring until Idris secures the crystals. However, even then, he would have to wait until he finishes the Apprentice's Cup.

He reappeared in his hotel room and found it undisturbed as he had left it. He called the reception for room service and was told that some reporters were still waiting for him. Sighing at the annoyance, Arthur decided to ignore their existence altogether.

As he was eating, a knock came on his door. Arthur frowned as he wasn't expecting any visitors. When he peeked through the door's hole, he unexpectedly found Master Ronin. He allowed him inside and the old man, wearing his black suit, walked in and took a seat.

”…Arthur.” Master Ronin's voice was probing and hesitant as if fearing Arthur would slip away if he raised his voice. ”Have you heard the news?”

”What news?” Arthur feigned ignorance.

”The first floor of the tower had a change in its ranking.” Master Ronin said, continuing before Arthur could play dumb. ”It's good that you didn't leave any clues, but you must be careful. Some people from the seven families have their eyes on you.”

”Are they going to take any action now?”

”No, not yet. However, I have a friend in the Ilios Empire who called me today. He said that the youngest prince of the royal family wants to head to the Yalveran Union.”

”What does that have to do with me?”

”I fear that they're trying to confirm whether you are the outsider.”

”Rather than confirm, shouldn't they try to kill me?”

”That's because the outsider is also the only way of getting the holy crown. You're the key to ending the countless years of balance. You're a threat, but you're also a key.” For the first time, Master Ronin looked anxious.

”Master,” Arthur said after a brief silence. ”I'm grateful for everything you ever did for me. However, I still don't understand what are the reasons you're willing to go out of your way for me.”

Master Ronin's face blanked as he heard Arthur's words. Arthur saw his eyes look at him directly, so powerful and all-knowing. It was then that Arthur heard Master Ronin's story.

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